Symptoms

Tests

Several tests can help identify the cause and diagnose of myoclonus. After the initial examination, the medical expert may prescribe an electroencephalography (EEG) test to record electrical activity of brain, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine structural problems, electromyogram (EMG) to measure electrical impulses of muscles and laboratory tests to detect diabetes, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, kidney disease and liver disease.

Treatment

The treatment for myoclonus depends on the cause of the disorder. Medications like sedatives, tranquilizers or anti-convulsant drugs help reduce the intensity of the disease in children with epilepsy. Clonazepam, Valproic Acid, Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam, Zonisamide and Topiramate are commonly used tranquilizers. Sedatives like Barbiturates decrease the central nervous system activity and helps reduce seizures.

Tumors that cause myoclonic activity must be removed through surgery. In some cases it is treated with radiation and chemotherapy.

Prognosis

Though medications reduce the symptoms of the disease, many side effects like dizziness, sleepiness, unsteadiness and fatigue are commonly encountered. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, in some serious cases it can leave behind debilitating impairments for life.

Prevention

It is not possible to prevent myoclonus, but you can take precautions to reduce the intensity by protecting yourself against brain injuries by wearing headgear during activities like riding a bike or working at accident-prone sites.

Treatment Cost

The treatment cost includes medical expert fee, medications and testing fees. In some cases, there may be a need of hospital services as patients would be required to be admitted for surgery or treatment.